Coach Brenton Sanderson says the Crows aren’t in a position to “flirt” with their form, naming a near-full strength team to play newcomers Greater Western Sydney at AAMI Stadium on Saturday.

Only experienced defender Graham Johncock (corked leg) has been left out of the team because of injury, while Andy Otten, Tom Lynch and Sam Kerridge have all been omitted.

In-form SANFL players Matt Jaensch, Sam Shaw, Matt Wright and Shaun McKernan have been recalled.

Earlier in the week, Sanderson vowed not to “rest” players against the Giants, who have been comprehensively beaten in their first three games in the AFL competition.

On Thursday, he delivered on that promise at the selection table.

“There’s been a bit of speculation about whether we would rest anyone, but we’re going to field the strongest side we’ve got available,” Sanderson told afc.com.au.

“That decision might be met with some criticism, but I don’t think we’re in a position to flirt with our form. It’s only early in the year, so the players don’t really need a rest yet and we’ve got a bye coming up in six weeks. We’ve got to keep trying to win. The buzz at the moment is ‘managing’ players, which we do, but we feel as though we can manage them throughout the week.

“The players are desperate to make amends for a disappointing effort against last week … they’ll be hungry on Saturday.”

The Giants have adopted a contested and strong defensive style of play under coach Kevin Sheedy and experienced assistant Mark Williams.

Despite losing by 81 points, GWS made inroads against West Coast last weekend winning their first-ever quarter (fourth term) and posting the highest score - 10.9 (69) - of their short existence.

“GWS are really good around the ball. Their contested ball numbers, their ability to tackle, chase and put pressure on is really good,” Sanderson said.

“After the first quarter of the game against West Coast, they were really competitive and we certainly won’t be taking them lightly. Even if we’re a couple of per cent off our best, we’re going to be embarrassed.

“It will be a good challenge for us to come with a really strong mindset and a ruthless attitude to ensure we’re not second to the ball as we were last week.”